A 12-hour urine collection accurately assesses proteinuria in the hospitalized hypertensive gravida

To determine whether a urine collection of < 24 hours duration accurately assesses the level of proteinuria in inpatients being evaluated for preeclampsia. Patients admitted to the University of Mississippi between January and June of 1998 for evaluation of preeclampsia underwent two consecutive 12-hour urine collections. Each collection was analyzed for total protein, total calcium, total volume, and urine creatinine. A concurrent serum creatinine value was obtained. The protein:creatinine ratio, calcium: creatinine ratio, and creatinine clearance were calculated. Pearson's correlation, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were assessed. A total of 25 patients (86%) were preeclamptic. Total protein, the protein: creatinine ratio, and serum creatinine were significantly correlated between the first and second urine collection. The sensitivity and specificity of the 12-hour urine collection was 96% and 100%, respectively. A 12-hour urine collection accurately depicts the amount of proteinuria in hospitalized gravidas being evaluated for preeclampsia.